The global conversation on artificial intelligence (AI) is gaining momentum with the establishment of the United Nations’ Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence. This panel, which is the first of its kind, aims to provide a thorough, evidence-based assessment of AI technologies.
Leadership of the AI Panel
The panel is co-chaired by two prominent figures in the field: Yoshua Bengio and Maria Ressa. Bengio is a celebrated Canadian computer scientist from the Université de Montréal, known for his groundbreaking work in AI. He has received the Turing Award and founded Mila, a renowned AI research institute. Ressa, a journalist and the CEO of Rappler, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021 for her efforts in promoting freedom of expression.
Composition of the Panel
Comprising 40 members, the panel brings together experts from various sectors. Members include scholars from academia, professionals from the private sector, representatives from civil society, and technicians with significant experience in AI.
- Core AI expertise
- Applied AI knowledge
- Experience in safety and infrastructure
- Insights into AI policy, ethics, and impact
UN Secretary-General’s Remarks
During the panel’s inaugural virtual meeting, UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that the panel is in a “race against time.” He urged members to quickly establish their working methods and set priorities. Their first assessment will be crucial for informing the Global Dialogue on AI Governance, which will see participation from leaders in the field.
Future Goals and Timeline
Guterres noted that AI technologies are advancing rapidly and transforming economies and societies. He highlighted the urgency to act, stating that “never in the future will we move as slowly as we are now.” This sentiment underscores the importance of the panel’s work in shaping AI governance.
As the panel co-chairs, Bengio and Ressa are set to guide discussions that will create a standard for future engagement on AI governance, marking a significant step in addressing the challenges posed by these emerging technologies.
